Auricular hematoma clamp

ABSTRACT

An auricular hematoma clamp for treatment of a hematoma in a pendant ear of an animal, comprising first and second plates shaped like the pendant ear and formed as mirror images, each first and second plate having a raised rib on an inward surface thereof along edges of the plate; fastening means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, abutting the raised ribs against the pendant ear on opposite sides thereof; the fastening means comprising a plurality of sutures around the edges of the first and second plates.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/246,346 filed Sep. 19, 2002 and entitled AURICULAR HEMATOMA CLAMP.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a compression device in the field of veterinary medicine for use in the treatment of hematomas in the pendant ears of animals.

2. Background and Description of the Prior Art

Treatments such as surgery to repair the affected ear can cause infection, pain, and discomfort especially when associated with pressure devices for healing the hematoma including penetrations through the ear and conchal cartilage with sutures or wire securing devices. Surgery to the affected ear often leaves permanent scarring, wilting, shriveling to the ear. The opening of the inner, ear flap and suturing the broken blood vessel allows for possibility of infection, ‘The use of quilting stitches to control the ear flap from expanding are uncomfortable for the animal. In addition, backing members used for the compression are made of heavy materials to retain their rigidity but add unneeded weight to the animals head and allow for discomfort to the animal. Furthermore, compression devices made of metal strips for conformity over the ear remain malleable and allow for expansion in the area of treatment.

As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,212, issued to Gaskill in Oct. 1997, there are limitations associated with present ear pressure dressings to fill the need for a device and process providing such a dressing that is capable of applying a uniform pressure, with compression forces that are generally perpendicular to all of the relevant surfaces of the injured portion, which is minimally invasive, simple and expeditious to apply, and inexpensive.

There are problems with Gaskill's invention as it relates to auricular hematoma in animals. The use of a heavy material will cause discomfort due to the size of the plates required for performing the intended function. Attachment of Gaskill's invention requires penetration through the ear with a wire implement and securing the implement to retain pressure. The attachment through the ear and subsequent conchal cartilage can cause a tear in the pinna and may cause discomfort along with the possibility of infection.

As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,950, issued to Godley in Oct. 1992, the ear pressure dressing is comprised of thin ductile material bendable to the desired form as to insure proper alignment with the opposite side of ear. There are limitations with this ear pressure dressing in respect to size and ability to create consistent pressure over a wide area such as the animal's pendant ear. The use of bendable material to perform the function of applying pressure at a point away from the helix can only produce a negative pressure difference at the point furthest from the helix thus exerting less pressure to the affected area.

As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,176, issued to Chang in Aug. 1998, pressure devices are at present used for the purpose of providing controlled pressure to a selected point on the skin of a patient as per the field of the invention, acupressure.

As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,961, to Barnes in Nov. 2001, the device for protecting newly cropped ears of animals is intended for post surgery, and to promote the earlier recovery from said surgery. The cause for surgery is elective and an ear portion is removed leaving much recovery to occur from underneath the protective cups.

Barnes improvement over the U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,189, issued to Olvera in Sept. 1980, comprises the perforations for adjustment and the ventilated materials used for creating such cups. Both features would not work well with pendant ears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The auricular hematoma clamp with a raised rib offers a healing solution for auricular hematoma in a pendant animal's ear without surgical treatments, lessens the chance of infection, and provides a less painful means to heal the hematoma. The auricular hematoma clamp is a simple device consisting of two opposing rigid plates, each said plate containing a raised rib rising from an inward surface, when positioned and attached to and over the ear and the opposing plate, form a clamp to prevent a hematoma from pooling in the pinna (auricle) while the raised ribs control the blood flow to and from the affected area.

The auricular hematoma clamp may be attached to the ear of the animal with athletic tape or a similar adhesive tape. In an alternate embodiment, the auricular hematoma clamp may be attached using sutures. The entire device may then be attached to the head of the animal with a loop of tape over and under the head and neck of the animal. The loop may be secured using a hook and loop fastener or other similarly adjustable fastener. The plates may be either flat or conform similar to the ear's shape. The raised ribs apply pressure to allow the controlled blood flow to and from the area of injured ear making healing recovery time sooner. The auricular hematoma clamp requires no need for surgery, eliminates the danger of rupture, and provides more comfort for the animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two opposing plates, wherein each plate contains a raised rib rising from an inward surface;

FIG. 2A illustrates an edgewise view of first and second plates of an auricular hematoma clamp having ribs rising from the surface a small amount;

FIG. 2B illustrates an edgewise view of a single plate having raised ribs on both opposite sides of the single plate;

FIG. 3 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two plates, each plate with a raised rib located on the inward surface, whereas one plate is shown properly positioned and secured with athletic tape to an affected ear, and the second plate is shown ready for attachment with athletic tape over ear and to the other plate;

FIG. 4 exhibits that the athletic tape is first folded over the ear's edges forming tabs when the tape is extended beyond the ear;

FIG. 5 exhibits an inward plate surface with an area encompassed by the raised rib;

FIG. 6 exhibits a cross-section of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp comprised of two plates, each plate with a raised rib located on the inward surface, whereas one plate is shown properly positioned and secured with athletic tape to a tab and an affected ear, and the second plate is shown attached with athletic tape over the ear and to the other plate;

FIG. 8 exhibits the ear prepared with athletic tape folded over the ear's edges forming a tab when the tape is extended beyond the ear;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a universal plate for an auricular hematoma clamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an installed auricular hematoma clamp according to the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates one application of an auricular hematoma clamp showing the support of the clamp upon a canine patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The auricular hematoma clamp 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 consists of two opposing plates 3A, 3B, each of said plates to be thin, rigid, lightweight, and contain at least one raised rib 2 disposed along the bottom edge of each plate 3A, 3B and rising above the inward surface facing toward an affected pendant ear (not shown in FIG. 1) in direct opposition with the other plate. The inward surface of the plates 3A, 3B may otherwise be curved or flat. Each rib 2 rises only a small amount above the surface of the plate. The size and configuration of the plates 3A, 3B need to be slightly larger than and conform to a pendant ear of an animal patient so as to encompass and conceal the pendant ear inside the hematoma clamp 1. In specific instances, the plates of the auricular hematoma clamp 1 may be smaller than the whole ear but remain large enough as to encompass the affected area of the pendant ear while maintaining the raised ribs beyond the affected area. In other embodiments a plate 3A, 3B may include more than one raised rib 2 on the inward surfaces of the plate 3A, 3B or a raised rib 2 may be separately attachable to the inward surfaces of the plates 3A, 3B. Further, the area of a raised rib 2 may be increased to provide a larger area of pressure.

FIG. 2A illustrates an edgewise view of the opposing plates 3A, 3B shown in FIG. 1 wherein the plates 3A, 3B are positioned apart by a space indicated by the reference number 3C. The space 3C corresponds to the space to be occupied by the pendant ear of an animal such as a canine patient on which the auricular hematoma clamp 1 may be applied. FIG. 2B illustrates an edgewise view of an alternate embodiment of the plates 3A, 3B wherein a single plate includes a raised rib 2 on each opposing side of the plate 3D.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method wherein athletic tape is used to prepare the external pendant ear (pinna) 4 for acceptance of the auricular hematoma clamp 1, by folding first 5A and second 5B lengths of tape over the ear's edges (helix) from the base end of the ear 4 at the animal's head to the outward end of the ear 4 leaving a segment beyond the outward end forming a tab 5C. It should be noted that cutting the second length of tape 5B from one end along the crease 9 enables both halves of the second length of tape 5B to “straddle” the first length of tape 5A. Athletic tape, or a similar adhesive tape, is also used to secure the two opposing plates 3A, 3B together around the affected pendant ear to form the hematoma clamp 1 as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the first plate 3A is held against one side of the ear 4 while it is taped to the ear 4 in the manner described in FIG. 4. The second plate 3B may then be applied to the other side of the ear 4 using an additional section of adhesive tape 6 that extends past both edges of the plate 3B, enabling the adhesive tape 6 to be affixed lengthwise around the edges of both of the plates of the hematoma clamp 1 and the ear assembly. With the device secured to the ear and the tabs exposed, the auricular hematoma clamp 1 may then, as will be described hereinafter, be taped over the head of the animal to assist in prevention of blood pooling and to prevent flapping of the device and the ear by the animal. Proper care of the exposed under side of animal's ear needs to be attended to while the auricular hematoma clamp is in place to prevent foreign objects from entering the ear canal, and/or to prevent chaffing or abrasions from occurring to the softer tissues exposed.

Although the device can remain in the pendant position and have healing occur, the chance of accidental removal by the animal may cause the treatment to be interrupted. The pendant position is not recommended for these reasons and the device would need to be properly reattached in the proper location for additional treatment.

Proper attachment of the auricular hematoma clamp plates to the ear proceeds as follows: aspirate the blood pool from the ear with a hypodermic needle; prepare the affected ear with tape for attachment of the first opposing plate 3A; secure the first plate 3A to the ear 4 with tape by folding the tape over the first plate 3A and the ear edges (helix), making sure the ear 4 is centered inside all edges of the first plate 3A and that the raised rib 2 is towards the ear 4; carefully position the second plate 3B over the ear 4 and the first plate 3A, maintaining the proper position of the second plate 3B over the first plate 3A in parallel, which will correctly align the two opposing raised ribs 2 and allow the auricular hematoma clamp 1 to perform properly; tape the auricular hematoma clamp 1, with the ear 4 inside and the tab 5C exposed, to the top of the animal's head with a loop of tape over and under the animal's head, making sure the loop of tape does not prohibit the animal from normal breathing; and, the animal must wear the auricular hematoma clamp 1 for several consecutive days for healing to occur.

The auricular hematoma clamp 1 can be worn with the ear 4 in the pendant position, but the chance of the animal shaking the hematoma clamp 1 (also called “device”) free, or dislodging the device from the ear is greater. Take care of the exposed under side of ear 4 to prevent chaffing and or debris accumulation. After five or more consecutive days, remove the auricular hematoma clamp 1 and let ear 4 rest for at least two days before attaching the auricular hematoma clamp 1 for an additional treatment. More than one treatment may be required to fully heal the hematoma.

The auricular hematoma clamp 1 fills the needs described, and with the use of the raised rib 2, sufficiently makes improvements to the treatments here associated.

The rigid material used for the auricular hematoma clamp 1 allows for even pressure to be applied across the surfaces of both plates 3A, 3B and insures consistency with respect to the plates 3A, 3B remaining parallel. Also, the rigid plates 3A, 3B perform the function of holding constant the raised ribs 2 with regard to the distance between the raised ribs 2 as set during initial attachment over the affected area.

Chang's invention is not intended to control blood flow as are the raised ribs 2 of the auricular hematoma clamp.

The raised rib 2 on the plate 3A or 3B of the auricular hematoma clamp 1 is used in conjunction with the opposing raised rib 2 on the opposing plate 3B or 3A to enable the process to control the blood flow to and from the area being treated and is not intended to apply pressure to a specific acupressure point, but rather to apply pressure in a linear fashion to the specific area between the two raised ribs 2.

The auricular hematoma clamp 1 is a device used as an alternative to surgery on an affected ear having a hematoma. The raised rib 2 might act as an improvement to Barnes' device for assistance in healing surgery performed for ear alteration. Although the perforations in Barnes' device for adjustment to ear size are an important feature, a better fit is accomplished by trimming the auricular hematoma clamp 1 to fit slightly larger than ear being treated. Pendant ears require flat plates and a rigid material for the said plates 3A, 3B construction.

The raised rib 2 performs the function of maintaining a slight pressure on either side of the ear flap thus controlling the amount of blood flow to and from the area affected. The pressure, which depends on a constant distance between the two said ribs to apply the selected amount of pressure need not be enough to stop the flow of blood as per a tourniquet, but only to apply light pressure to inhibit the flow of blood. As the process of healing continues with the auricular hematoma clamp in place, the swelling will decrease, thus decreasing the pressure applied at said raised ribs, allowing for more normal flow of blood to and from the affected area, and for natural healing to take place.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment 10 of the auricular hematoma clamp 1 of FIG. 1 wherein the raised rib 12 encircles each first 13A and second 13B plate just inside the perimeter of the respective plate 13A, 13B. FIG. 6 illustrates the corresponding edgewise view of a pair of plates 13A, 13B positioned apart by a space 13C.

FIG. 7 exhibits an auricular hematoma clamp 11 comprised of two plates 13A, 13B, each plate with a raised rib 12 located on the inward surface, whereas one plate 13A is shown properly positioned and secured with first and second pieces of athletic tape having a tab 15A, 15B and an affected ear 14, and the second plate 13B is shown ready for attachment with athletic tape over the ear and to the first plate 13A. In some applications an additional piece of athletic tape may be attached to the “inside” junction of the plates 13A, 13B of the hematoma clamp 11.

FIG. 8 exhibits the ear prepared with first 15A and second 15B pieces of athletic tape folded over the ear's edges forming a tab 18 when the tape is extended beyond the ear 14.

In regard to claim 17: The post attachment of the raised rib to a desired location on said plates offers variability in treatment without deviating from the original purpose.

In regard to claim 18: The larger the surface of the raised rib at the point of pressure may offer increased restriction of blood flow to and from the affected area.

In regard to claim 19: Preparing the ear with a base application of tape allows the auricular hematoma clamp to have a positive attachment to the ear.

In regard to claim 20: The tab formed when extending the tape beyond the ear tip gives surface area beyond the ear surface to provide for attaching the clamp to the head of the animal.

In regard to claim 21: Provides for a means of attachment, other than adhesive tape, such as a hook and loop or other harness.

In regard to claim 22: Having a hinge at one edge of said plates may offer ease in the attachment and positioning of the clamp.

In regard to claim 23: Having a spring in the hinge may provide supplemental pressure to the ear.

In regard to claim 24: The intended function of the auricular hematoma clamp will not be compromised while worn in the pendant position. The benefits of having the device secured over the head is to take advantage of the small force of gravity imparted upon the ear.

FIG. 9 illustrates a universal plate 30 for fabricating a plate 32 for the hematoma clamp of the present invention that is cut to size along one of a series of scored or embossed or raised outlines 34 to fit an individual pendant ear of an animal patient. The series of outlines 38 shown in FIG. 9 include outlines 34 for defining eleven different sizes in the embodiment shown, all having substantially the same shape. A raised rib 36 is formed across a lower edge of the universal plate 30. The universal plate 30 may include a raised rib 36 on the opposite side (nor shown) as illustrated in FIG. 2B hereinabove.

Also shown in FIG. 9 are several series of holes 40 disposed in rows such that any size individual plate 32 will have, illustratively, five pairs of holes 40 disposed at intervals around the edges of any size plate 32, regardless of which size of universal plate is cut to size. Further, the holes may be sized to accept suture wire, thread, or other fastening material therethrough for securing the plates 30 to an ear and/or each other. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the sizes, patterns, and locations of these “suture” holes 40 may be varied to suit the particular application. Similarly, the position and spacings of the outlines 34 may be varied to suit particular applications. Moreover, the overall shape of the plates 32 may be varied to best fit a particular animal patient's ear.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view of an auricular hematoma clamp 50 having first 42A and second 42B plates, further having raised ribs 46 and attached on respective sides of a pendant ear 52 using fastening sutures 48. The fastening sutures are generally applied around the perimeter of (or along the edges of) the auricular hematoma clamp as indicated by the locations of the suture holes. The cross section view of FIG. 10 is taken at a location where sutures 48, 56, or 60 may be positioned. The fastening sutures 48 may be fabricated from well-known synthetic or natural materials, wire sutures 56 secured with wire keepers 58, or elastic or non-elastic strand sutures 60 secured with strand keepers 62. Elastic sutures may be used to provide a controlled amount of pressure to the affected tissue of the pendant ear. Some types of sutures may be secured using knots tied in the suture material. The “keepers” may be of many types, including crimp-on clips, small retaining washers placed on the suture before a knot or other device is placed upon it, and the like. Sutures may also be molded or extruded plastic ties having integral keepers of the type used to affix price and other types of tags to garments and other merchandise. Also shown in FIG. 10 is one set of positions 64A, 64B of a “loop” (or “hook”) portion of a hook and loop fastening device. The first 64A and the second 64B “loop” (or “hook”) receiving portions may be mated with respective opposite first and second “hook” (or “loop”) adjusting or movable portions (not shown in FIG. 10) of a hook and loop fastening device, as will be described with FIG. 11 herein below.

FIG. 11 illustrates one application 70 of an auricular hematoma clamp, according to the present invention, upon a pendant ear 74 of an animal (e.g., a canine pet or dog) 72 having the first pendant ear 74 being treated for a hematoma (not shown) and a second uninjured pendant ear 76. The first ear 74 is shown secured between first 78A and second 78B plates of the hematoma clamp. The second plate 78B includes attached thereon the first 80 and second 82 receiving portions of a hook and loop fastening device attached at the first 88 and second 90 ends thereof. The support strap 84, which includes the opposite member (loop or hook) of a hook and loop fastening device on each end 92, 94 of the strap 84, may be looped around the head and behind the untreated ear of the animal 72. The support strap 84 may be adjusted to support the ear 74 being treated in a suitable position to promote healing and comfort of the animal patient.

In addition to the aforementioned examples, it is made clear that any deviation by those skilled in the art, in materials, attachment procedures, locations of one or all of the features associated are not to be construed as limiting the invention set forth in the appended claims that are to be interpreted as encompassing the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An auricular hematoma clamp for treatment of a hematoma in a pendant ear of an animal, comprising: first and second plates having an outline substantially similar to the pendant ear and formed as mirror images of each other, each first and second plate having a raised rib on an inward surface of the plate substantially along and proximate a defined one of a plurality of edges of the plate; and fastening means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, the raised rib on each first and second plate being disposed in an abutting relationship against the pendant ear on opposite sides thereof.
 2. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises first and second strips of an adhesive tape material wrapped lengthwise over adjacent edges of the first and second plates and the pendant ear wherein an adhesive side of the first and second strips of adhesive tape is secured to outermost surfaces of the respective first and second plates.
 3. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises: a plurality of sutures disposed at intervals around corresponding edges of the first and second plates, the sutures being secured in predetermined holes disposed at the corresponding intervals around the corresponding edges of the first and second plates.
 4. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 3, wherein the sutures further pass through tissue of the pendant ear positioned between the first and second plates.
 5. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 3, wherein the sutures are selected from the group consisting of synthetic sutures, natural sutures, wire sutures, and natural fiber sutures.
 6. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 5, wherein the sutures are retained with a keeper.
 7. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 5, wherein the sutures are retained with a knot tied in the suture.
 8. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 3, wherein the sutures are elastic.
 9. the auricular hematoma clamp of claim 8, wherein the sutures are retained by a keeper.
 10. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 3, wherein the sutures are non-elastic.
 11. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 10, wherein the sutures are retained by a keeper
 12. The auricular hematoma clamp of claim 1, wherein the sutures are molded of plastic material having integral keepers.
 13. A method of attaching an auricular hematoma clamp to a pendant ear of an animal patient wherein the auricular hematoma clamp includes first and second opposing plates each having a shape corresponding substantially to the pendant ear and at least one raised rib disposed on an inward surface thereof along and proximate a defined edge of each respective plate, and suture means for securing the first and second plates in a clamping manner on respective first and second sides of the pendant ear, comprising the steps of: preparing the pendant ear to be treated, having a hematoma at a hematoma location within the pendant ear, to receive the first and second plates of the auricular hematoma clamp; holding the first plate against the first side of the pendant ear, the raised rib of the first plate in contact therewith; positioning the second plate against the second side of the pendant ear such that the respective raised ribs of the first and second plates are opposingly aligned; and clamping with slight pressure the second plate against the second side of the pendant ear, the raised rib in contact therewith, securing the combination of the pendant ear disposed between the first and second plates using a plurality of sutures disposed at intervals along the corresponding edges of the first and second plates.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: supporting the clamped pendant ear in an upward-extending orientation.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of preparing further comprises the steps of: aspirating blood pooled at the hematoma location in the auricle of the ear; and temporarily affixing the first and second plates to the opposite sides of the pendant ear.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of positioning further comprises the step of: aligning suture holes in the first and second plates to receive sutures to be inserted therethrough.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of securing comprises the step of: positioning the raised rib across a path between the source of blood entering the auricle and the hematoma location.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of clamping comprises the step of. adjusting the amount of pressure exerted on the auricle by the clamped first and second plates to limit blood flow into the hematoma location without causing cessation of blood flow thereto. 